Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about our heavy haulage services, abnormal loads, permits, pricing, and more. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us directly.
General Questions
5 questions
Permits & Compliance
4 questions
Services & Pricing
6 questions
All Questions
What is heavy haulage?
Heavy haulage refers to the transport of oversized or overweight cargo that exceeds standard vehicle dimensions or weight limits. This includes loads over 2.9m wide, 18.65m long, or 44 tonnes in weight. Heavy haulage requires specialised equipment, route planning, and often permits and escort vehicles.
What counts as an abnormal load?
An abnormal load is any vehicle or combination that exceeds standard UK road vehicle dimensions or weight limits. This typically includes loads over 2.9m wide, 18.65m long, or 44 tonnes. We handle all types of abnormal loads requiring special transport arrangements, from industrial machinery to construction equipment.
Do I need permits for heavy haulage?
Yes, abnormal loads require notifications to local authorities and highways agencies. We handle all permit applications and notifications, including ESDAL (Electronic Service Delivery for Abnormal Loads) where applicable. Our team coordinates with all necessary authorities to ensure compliance.
How long does it take to get permits?
Permit processing times vary depending on the route and load specifications. Typically, we require 2-5 working days for standard abnormal load notifications. For complex routes or very large loads, additional time may be needed. We'll provide accurate timelines during the planning phase.
Do abnormal loads require escort vehicles?
Escort vehicles are required for loads exceeding certain dimensions or when travelling on specific routes. We assess each job individually and coordinate police escorts or private escort vehicles when necessary. Our route planning includes identifying all escort requirements.
What is your maximum payload capacity?
Our fleet can handle loads up to 50 tonnes. We have various trailer configurations including low loaders, step-deck trailers, and flatbed trucks to accommodate different cargo types and requirements.
Do you operate 24/7?
Yes, we operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round. We're available for both scheduled transport and emergency situations, including vehicle recovery services.
What areas do you cover?
We operate UK-wide, serving clients across all regions from the North West to London, Scotland to Wales. We're based in Manchester but provide services throughout the entire UK.
How do you handle route planning?
We conduct comprehensive route surveys to identify potential obstacles such as low bridges, narrow roads, weight restrictions, and overhead cables. We coordinate with local authorities, highways agencies, and utility companies to ensure all necessary clearances are obtained.
What types of cargo do you transport?
We transport a wide range of heavy and oversized cargo including construction equipment, industrial machinery, agricultural machinery, plant and machinery, site containers, portable buildings, and vehicles. We handle both running and non-running equipment.
How much does heavy haulage cost?
Pricing depends on various factors including load dimensions, weight, distance, route complexity, and any special requirements such as permits or escorts. We provide detailed quotes based on your specific requirements. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.
What information do you need for a quote?
To provide an accurate quote, we need details about your cargo including dimensions (length, width, height), weight, pickup and delivery locations, any special requirements, and preferred dates. The more information you can provide, the more accurate our quote will be.
Do you provide proof of delivery?
Yes, we provide photos and proof of delivery for every transport. We document every move with photos and delivery confirmations, providing you with complete proof of successful delivery.
Are you fully insured?
Yes, we maintain comprehensive insurance coverage for all our transport operations, including vehicle liability, cargo insurance, and public liability. We're happy to provide information about our insurance coverage for your specific cargo.
What if my cargo is damaged during transport?
We take every precaution to ensure safe transport of your cargo, including proper load restraint and careful handling. We're fully insured, and any issues would be handled through our insurance coverage. We maintain detailed records of all transports for your protection.
Still Have Questions?
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Our team is here to help. Contact us directly and we'll be happy to answer any questions about our heavy haulage services.